American football has a unique ability to create moments that live on long after the final whistle has blown. Dramatic comebacks, legendary individual performances and last-second plays have combined over the decades to produce games that are endlessly re-watched, debated and celebrated.
For fans looking to relive history or discover classics they may have missed, this guide explores the best NFL games of all time, each one chosen for its impact, drama and enduring legacy. Whether you are revisiting an old favourite or searching for a retro showdown to enjoy from start to finish, these games represent the NFL at its very best.
1. Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots Vs. Atlanta Falcons (2017)
No discussion of the best NFL games of all time can begin anywhere else. Super Bowl LI redefined what was thought possible on football's biggest stage. The Atlanta Falcons surged to a seemingly insurmountable 28-3 lead late in the third quarter, combining explosive offence with relentless pressure. For the millions watching, the result appeared already decided.
What followed was the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. Tom Brady orchestrated drive after drive with surgical precision, while the Patriots' defence tightened at exactly the right moment. The game eventually reached overtime, a first for the Super Bowl, where New England completed the comeback to secure victory. The sheer improbability of the result, combined with the magnitude of the occasion, makes this game a must-watch for any NFL fan.
2. Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants Vs. New England Patriots (2008)
Super Bowl XLII is remembered as one of the most dramatic upsets in league history. The New England Patriots entered the game undefeated, chasing a perfect season and widely regarded as one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Standing in their way were the New York Giants, gritty underdogs who had already exceeded expectations.
The game was tense throughout, but it is immortalised by one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. With the Patriots leading late in the fourth quarter, Eli Manning escaped pressure and launched a pass that resulted in the unforgettable helmet catch by David Tyree. Moments later, the Giants took the lead and completed the upset. For storytelling, stakes and unforgettable sporting moments, this is unquestionably one of the best NFL games of all time.
3. AFC Divisional Playoff: Buffalo Bills Vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2022)
Modern fans of the sport often point to this playoff clash as the greatest NFL game of the current era. The Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs produced a masterclass in offensive football, led by two of the league's most electrifying quarterbacks. What made this game special was not just the quality of play, but the breathtaking pace of the final minutes.
The lead changed hands repeatedly in the closing stages, with both teams scoring at will. Each touchdown felt decisive, only to be answered almost immediately. The game was ultimately decided in overtime, but long before the final snap it had already secured its place among the best NFL games of all time. For viewers seeking high drama and elite quarterback play, this NFL game is essential viewing.
4. Super Bowl XXV: New York Giants Vs. Buffalo Bills (1991)
Some of the greatest NFL games are defined by tension rather than scoring, and Super Bowl XXV is a perfect example. Played against the backdrop of the Gulf War, the game carried an emotional weight that added to its intensity. The Giants and Bills delivered a tightly contested battle dominated by strategy, defence and field position.
The game is best remembered for its dramatic conclusion. With seconds remaining, Buffalo's Scott Norwood attempted a field goal that would have won the Super Bowl, only for the kick to sail wide right. The moment was heartbreaking and unforgettable, cementing this contest as one of the best NFL games of all time and a reminder of how thin the margins can be at the highest level of the sport.
5. NFC Championship Game: San Francisco 49ers Vs. Dallas Cowboys (1982)
Before the Super Bowl became the sole focus of NFL lore, conference championship games often delivered defining moments. The 1982 NFC Championship between the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys marked a turning point in league history. Dallas represented the old guard, while San Francisco was an emerging force led by young gun Joe Montana.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Cowboys leading, Montana rolled right under pressure and lofted a pass to the back of the end zone. Dwight Clark leapt and made the catch that would become simply known as "The Catch." That single play launched a dynasty and changed the balance of power in the NFL. Its historical significance secures its place among the best NFL games of all time.
Reliving the Best NFL Games of All Time
What unites these NFL games is their ability to transcend the sport itself. They tell stories of resilience, heartbreak, brilliance and belief, offering something new every time they are watched.
For fans planning a nostalgic viewing session or hoping to revisit the moments that shaped the league, these classics provide the perfect starting point. The best NFL games of all time are not just contests, but experiences that continue to define why American football captivates audiences around the world.
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